Panasonic BB HCM511A_BB HCM531A Installation Guide

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Installation Guide
Network Camera (PoE Ready)
This manual is written for both the BB-HCM511A (Indoor Use Only) and the BB-HCM531A (Outdoor Ready). Available features and operations vary 
slightly depending on the model. You can confirm the model no. of your camera by checking the model no. printed on the front of the camera.
Please read the included Important Information before proceeding.
Complete Operating Instructions and all other documentation can be found on the included CD-ROM.
Model No.BB-HCM511A
BB-HCM531AIndoor Use Only
Outdoor Ready
Installation Procedure Overview
The following is an overview of the steps required to install and setup the camera. All steps are explained in this document unless otherwise noted.
Preparation
1.Confirm the following items are included in the camera’s packaging.
• Additional pieces can be ordered by calling 1-800-332-5368.
2.You will need the following additional items to install and configure the camera.
Option
You can also connect the camera using the optional Panasonic BB-HCA3A AC Adaptor. The BB-HCA3A includes the following items.
• The AC adaptor, the AC adaptor cord, and the AC cord are not waterproofed, and are intended for indoor use only. The AC adaptor, the AC adaptor cord, and 
the AC cord must be waterproofed for outside use.
Camera Diagram 
Preparation
Confirm that you have all the 
items required for 
installation.
Camera Diagram
Make sure you know the 
names of the camera’s 
physical features.
Connections
Connecting the camera to 
your network and to the power 
outlet.
Setup
Setting up the camera (described in the included 
Setup Guide). This involves configuring the camera 
so that it can be accessed from a PC.
Mounting
Mounting or placing the 
camera.
Main Unit (1 pc.) Washer S (1 pc.)
Order No. XWG26D12VW
Used when securing the safety 
wire to the camera.Screw A
BB-HCM511A (1pc. for the safety wire)
Order No. PQHV2610PJ65
BB-HCM531A (1pc. for the safety wire,
4pcs. for the connector cover)
Order No. XTN26+10GVW
Flexible Stand (1 pc.)
Order No. PQKL10082Z1Washer L (1 pc.)
Order No. XWG4F16VW
Used when securing the safety 
wire to the ceiling or wall.Screw B (1pc. for the safety wire, 
3pcs. for the flexible stand)
Order No. XTB4+20AFJ
Safety Wire (1 pc.)
Order No. PQME10080Z
Used to secure the camera 
when mounting it.Important Information (1 pc.)
Installation Guide 
(this document) (1 pc.)
Setup Guide (1 pc.)Setup CD-ROM (1 pc.)
Order No. PNQC1048Z
Contains the Setup Program needed to configure the 
camera, as well as the camera’s documentation.*
*See the included Important Information for a description of 
each document.
Sunshade (1pc.)
[BB-HCM531A Only]
Order No. PQKV10074Z1Connector Cover (1pc.)
[BB-HCM531A Only]
Order No. PQYCHCM531AFoam Strip (1pc.)
[BB-HCM531A Only]
Order No. PQHG10748ZSelf Bonding Tape (1pc.)
[BB-HCM531A Only]
Order No. PSHG1235Z
– a PC (see the system requirements in the Important Information document) – a LAN cable (CAT-5 straight cable)
–a router
AC Adaptor (1 pc.)
Cord Length: About 3 m (9 feet 10 inches)AC Cord (1 pc.)
Cord Length: About 1.8 m (5 feet 11 inches)
Front View Side and Bottom View Rear View
A
B
C
DLens cover
Lens
Microphone
Indicator
*1
E
F
G
H
IFA C TO RY  D E FA U LT  
RESET button
SD memory card slot
RESTART button
FUNCTION 
button/indicator
Stand/tripod mounting 
holeJ
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
RStand mounting hole
Serial number and 
MAC address label
AC adaptor cord/video 
cable hook
Speaker/microphone 
cable hook
LAN port
DC IN
External I/O interface
VIDEO OUT terminal
AUDIO OUT terminal
*1 See 1.1 Understanding the Camera Indicator in the Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-ROM for indicator meaning.SMIC terminal
A
B
C
DE
F
G
H
IJ
K
L
M
N
OPQRS
© Panasonic System Networks Co., Ltd. 2007
PQQX15758XA   KK1206CM3020
Please read this document before using the product, and save this document for future 
reference. Panasonic Network Camera Website: http://panasonic.net/pcc/ipcam/
• This document (Installation Guide) explains how to physically connect the 
camera to the power supply and network, as well how to mount or place the 
camera for regular use.
•The Setup Guide describes how to set up the camera so that it can be 
accessed using a PC.• Refer to the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM for details regarding 
the camera’s features.
• Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-ROM if you have any 
problems configuring or using the camera.
• The illustrations used in Installation Guide are of BB-HCM531A.
Abbreviations
• UPnP is the abbreviation for “Universal Plug and Play”. 
• The Network Camera is referred to as “the camera” in this document.• The Setup CD-ROM is referred to as “the CD-ROM” in this document. 
						

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Connections
Before proceeding, confirm that your PC is connected to your router and can access the Internet. Also confirm that your router’s UPnP™ feature is enabled. (Most 
routers have UPnP™ turned off by default.) Refer to the operating instructions included with your router or to the Panasonic Network Camera website (http://
panasonic.net/pcc/ipcam/) for more information.
Connect the camera to your PoE hub using a LAN cable (Cat-5 straight cable) as described below.
Connect the camera to your router and to the power outlet as described below.
You can connect an external microphone and external speaker to the camera to use the Listen and Talk features, respectively. For information about these 
features, see 1.2.9 Audio Features in the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM. Connect the devices as shown below.
When connecting the camera using PoE (Power over Ethernet)
1Connect a LAN cable to the camera and to the PoE hub.
• Your PoE hub must be connected to the router. Refer to the operating 
instructions included with the PoE hub for connection instructions.
• The lens will pan and tilt when the camera is turned on.
2Connect a LAN cable to a LAN port of the PoE hub and to a LAN port of the 
router.
• Confirm that the indicator lights green after about 1 minute. If the 
indicator does not light green, see 1.2 Camera Indicator Issues in the 
Troubleshooting Guide on the CD-ROM.
• When the lens pans or tilts, a sound can be heard from the camera. This 
is normal.
• Use a 4-pair UTP/STP cable.
• Do not use a relay connector or a hub between the camera and the PoE 
hub. These devices may disturb the data or electricity transmission.
• If the PoE hub has indicators, the indicator lights as shown in the table 
below.
Indicator Description
LINK
Turns on when the data is transmitted from the camera.
PoETurns on when the electricity is supplied to the camera.
• If the PoE hub is turned off or power supply is temporarily cut off by the 
disconnection of the LAN cable, it may take time for the PoE hub’s 
indicators to light.
• The indicator display differs depending on manufacturers, refer to the 
manuals of the PoE hub.
When connecting the camera using the BB-HCA3A AC Adaptor (Optional)
1Connect the LAN cable to the camera and the router.
2Connect the AC adaptor cord to the DC IN jack.
3Connect the AC cord to the AC adaptor, then plug the AC 
cord into the power outlet.
• The lens will pan and tilt when the camera is turned on.
• Confirm that the indicator lights green after about 1 
minute. If the indicator does not light green, see 1.2 
Camera Indicator Issues in the Troubleshooting Guide 
on the CD-ROM.
• When you operate the camera, the power outlet should 
be near the camera and easily accessible.
• Use only specified Panasonic AC adaptor (Model No. 
BB-HCA3A).
• When the lens pans or tilts, a sound can be heard from 
the camera. This is normal.
After the camera’s indicator turns green, you may set up the camera. Continue by following the procedure described in the 
included Setup Guide.
• If the indicator does not turn green, see 1.2 Camera Indicator Issues in the Troubleshooting Guide on the included CD-ROM.
After setting up the camera according to the procedure described in the Setup Guide, read the following information. 
Connecting External Audio Devices
Note
• If you use an external microphone, excessive cable length or a poor quality 
cable can cause degradation in audio quality.
• The microphone cable should be no longer than 7 m (23 feet).
• Use a speaker with a built-in amplifier. The speaker connects to the camera with a 
stereo audio cable similar to that used by your PC. The output signal is mono.
• Make sure the camera and speaker are turned off when connecting or 
disconnecting the speaker cable, otherwise noise may be heard from the 
speaker.
• The external microphone input does not correspond to a line level. Audio may 
be distorted when the line level is input. Audio distortion will be solved if you 
insert the following circuits. Under no circumstance should high-level audio, 
such as from a speaker, be connected to this input terminal. Doing so is likely 
to damage the camera.
PoE hub PoE indicator
LINK indicatorTo the power 
supply
PC Modem
Internet LAN cable
(Cat-5 straight cable)
Router
Green
To the 
power 
outletLAN cable
(Cat-5 straight cable)
Router
PC AC adaptor
(BB-HCA3A) AC cord
Modem
Internet
Green
For speaker
(Output impedance 
560 Ω line level)For microphone
(Plug-in power +3.3 V)Microphone cable
(φ 3.5 mm plug)
Speaker cable
(φ 3.5 mm stereo plug)
To speaker
To microphone
Camera
Microphone InputAudio Line 
Out Capacitor Resistor
1   F
33 K 
						

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You can connect a TV or other video device (NTSC or PAL format) to the camera to monitor or record camera images. Connect the video device as shown below.
The camera’s external I/O interface allows you to connect 2 devices (such as sensors, motion detectors, etc.) that can be used to trigger the camera’s image 
buffering and transferring features (see Section 2 Using Triggers to Buffer and Transfer Images in the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM).
The external I/O interface has 6 terminals.
Mounting the Camera
Three mounting methods are available, as shown here. Confirm which side is the top and bottom of the camera when mounting; do not mount the camera upside 
down. Consult an authorized dealer for mounting.
Caution
• Do not drive the screws into a soft material. Drive the screws into a secure area of the wall or ceiling, such as a column, otherwise the camera may fall and be 
damaged.
• Make sure you attach the safety wire when mounting the camera, to prevent the camera from falling.
Note
•For BB-HCM511A: The camera is intended for indoor use only and should not be mounted outdoors.
•For BB-HCM531A: If you install the camera outdoors, the external microphone or speaker must be outdoor compatible.
• Use screws that are appropriate for the material of the wall or ceiling.
• The included screws are for use with wooden walls or ceilings only.
• To ensure that camera images are displayed properly, do not mount the camera on an incline. Mount the camera so that it is perpendicular to the floor. Do not 
mount the camera upside down.
• Mounting and cabling instructions described in this document follow generally accepted guidelines suitable for residential installations. In some areas, 
commercial and industrial installations are regulated by local or state ordinances. For such installations, contact your local building department or building 
inspector for more details.
• Camera images can be viewed in relatively dark areas, however, image quality decreases when viewing dark images. We recommend using supplemental 
lighting for best results.
• Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or halogen light may damage the camera’s image sensor. Mount the camera appropriately.
• When mounting the camera, make sure to wrap the AC adaptor cord (if used) and other cables (external microphone or speaker cable, video cable, etc.) around 
the hooks as shown to ensure secure connections.
Connecting a Video Device
Note
• Analog video output is disabled by default. See 7.5 Controlling the Analog 
Video Output Signal in the Operating Instructions on the CD-ROM for 
more information.
Connecting External Sensors
Circuit Diagram Example
Caution
• The external I/O interface is not capable of connecting directly to devices 
that require large amounts of current. In some cases, a custom interface 
circuit (customer-provided) may have to be used. Serious damage to the 
camera may result if a device that exceeds its electrical capability is 
connected to the external I/O interface.
• Low voltage/current circuits and high voltage/current circuits are used in 
the camera circuit. All wiring should be performed by a qualified 
electrician. Incorrect wiring could damage the camera and cause a fatal 
electric shock.
• External devices connected to the camera’s output terminals cannot be 
controlled in the event of a network error or failure. Keep this in mind when 
connecting door locks, heat-emitting devices, or other devices that may 
be dangerous if they cannot be controlled.
Terminal Description
GGND terminal.
1External sensor input 1. The camera can be triggered by either an open 
circuit or a GND short-circuit.
GGND terminal.
2External sensor input 2. The camera can be triggered by either an open 
circuit or a GND short-circuit.
3External device control output. Allows you to control an external device 
using the output buttons in the camera’s operation bar (for example, 
turning a light on or off).
• This terminal’s behavior can be changed (see 7.4 Controlling the 
External Output Terminal in the Operating Instructions on the CD-
ROM).
• This terminal is an open collector circuit. The maximum drawing 
current is the same as terminal 4. Do not exceed the voltage of the 
terminal 4.
4DC power output terminal.
• 10.5–13 V DC
• Maximum load drive is 100 mA.
Note
• Do not push strongly on the external I/O interface with the pointed object. The 
external I/O interface may get stuck into the unit, and you may not be able to 
use it. 
For video device
External I/O interface
Light
Door Sensor 1 (Alarm 1) Door Sensor 2 (Alarm 2)Relay Camera
12 V*
2 3 4
G
1
G
*DC 10.5 V–13 V
Hook for AC adaptor cord, 
video cable, external I/O 
interface wiresHook for external 
audio cables To video device
Video cable
(φ 3.5 mm plug) 
						

							4
Ceiling/Wall Mount 
Wiring without making a hole for a cable in the ceiling or wall
For BB-HCM531A:
Before following the procedures below, we recommend passing all cables (AC 
adaptor, LAN, audio/video, etc.) through a duct (i.e., hose, tube, etc.) for 
proper waterproofing.
1.Secure the safety wire to the camera using screw A (included) and 
washer S (included).
• Make sure you attach the safety wire when mounting the camera, to prevent the camera 
from falling.
2.Remove the tab on the flexible stand. Then pass the cables through the 
notch.
3. For BB-HCM511A:
Connect all necessary cables (AC adaptor, LAN, audio/video, etc.). Then 
skip to step 7.
For BB-HCM531A:
Pass the cables through the connector cover, and then connect all 
necessary cables (AC adaptor, LAN, audio/video, etc.). 
Attach the connector cover by fastening the two screws.
4.Attach the sunshade by fastening the two screws.
5.Wrap the cables in the included foam strip and insert the foam strip into 
the opening of the connector cover.
• Leave about 10 mm (3/8 inches) of the foam exposed, as shown.
6.Wrap the first 20 cm (7 7/8 inches) of the cables (starting with the 
connector cover) using the included self bonding tape. Make sure to wrap 
the opening of the connector cover thoroughly (three or four times).
• Stretch the tape to twice its length when you wrap the cables.
• Overlap the tape when you wrap the cables.
7.Attach the camera by screwing the threaded mount into the stand 
mounting hole.
8.Mount the flexible stand firmly to the ceiling or wall with screw B (included).• Do not drive the screws into a soft material. Drive the screws into a secure area of the 
wall, such as a column, otherwise the camera may fall and be damaged.
• Use screws that are suited for the type of material the camera is mounted to.
• Be careful not to nip the cables.
• Make sure the flexible stand is firmly mounted on a beam of wood (25 mm [1 inch] and 
greater) etc. When there is no beam, apply a board on the other side of the ceiling or wall 
to make sure the camera does not drop.
9.Adjust the camera position and tighten the flexible stand grip firmly.• Confirm that the cords have been waterproofed and that the portion of the cord protruding 
from the flexible stand is wrapped in self bonding tape, as shown in (A) below.
10.Secure the safety wire to the ceiling or wall using screw B (included) and 
washer L (included).
• Leave some slack in the safety wire, as shown.
• Make sure the safety wire is firmly mounted on a beam of wood (25 mm [1 inch] and  
greater) etc. When there is no beam, apply a board on the other side of the ceiling or wall 
to make sure the camera does not drop.
• Make sure to waterproof the opening of the duct so that water does not enter it.
For BB-HCM511A (INDOOR USE ONLY): Wiring through a hole made in 
the ceiling or wall
Make a hole for cables in the ceiling or wall. Secure the safety wire to the 
camera and pass the cables through the notch. Then follow steps 7, 8, 9 and 10.
When mounting on a mortar or concrete surface
• Prepare anchors for 4 mm (3/16 inch) diameter screws for mounting.
1.Place the flexible stand on the ceiling or wall where you plan to mount the 
flexible stand and mark the points where you are going to make holes.
2.Make holes with an electric drill. Insert anchors (customer-provided) into 
the holes and push them inside the holes with a hammer.
• Mortar ceilings or walls break easily when drilling. Be careful of pieces of mortar which 
may become loose and fall.
3.Mount the flexible stand using the screws.
Flexible Stand Mount Tripod Mount
1.Screw the threaded mount into 
the stand/tripod mounting hole.
2.Turn the grip firmly.
Tripod
(customer-provided)Stand/tripod
mounting hole
Stand/tripod
mounting hole
Flexible 
standThreaded 
mount
Grip
Safety wireWasher S Screw A
12Screw holeScrew A Connector coverHook for AC adaptor cord,
video cable, external I/O 
interface wiresHook for external
audio cables
3
4
Sunshade
Screw A
Do not cover 
the ventilation hole.
N CeilingN Wall
N CeilingN Wall
N CeilingN Wall
N CeilingN Wall
N CeilingN Wa ll
Indicator
Stand/tripod 
mounting 
hole
Threaded mount
At least 25 mm 
(1 inch)
Screw B
At least 25 mm 
(1 inch)
Grip(A)
Grip(A)
Duct
(customer-provided)Screw BWasher L
Duct
(customer-provided)
Washer L
Screw B
Screw BHole for cables
φ 25 mm
 (φ 1 inch)
Screw BHole for cables
 φ 25 mm 
(φ 1 inch)
Drill for concrete (in case of tile, use a drill for tile) Stand 
mounting 
hole Threaded 
mount
Screw B